Adults take around 23,000 breaths each day. Are you sure if the quality of the air you’re breathing is enough? As spring approaches, it’s a perfect time to assess your home’s indoor air quality. We have plenty cool days in the future and colder air absorbs less moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can take a toll on your health and your home.
Low Humidity Ups Your Chances of Getting Sick
That you attain a cold because it’s cold outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is something to it. As we noted, cold air is drier and dry air can cause you some health challenges. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is low, so they are unable to do their function of filtering out germs. This increases the chances of getting a cold, the flu or another infection.
Dry Air Damages Your Skin
In the Muskogee winter, you might see that your skin is dry and itchy. Shortage of humidity is the culprit. Lotion can help to treat the symptoms, but an investment in a whole-home humidifier could solve the actual problem.
Damages to Your Home
The lack of moisture in your home’s air can also impact the wood in your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air takes moisture from these items. You may even end up with cracks in the walls and floors.
Evaluating for Dry Air
While itchy skin and a never-ending cold are tips that your indoor air may be dry, there are additional symptoms to look for as well:
- A notable increase in static electricity
- Cracks in the flooring
- Openings in your trim and molding
- Loosening wallpaper
Each of these issues indicate that it’s possibly time to review your indoor air quality. We’re happy to offer our expertise! Contact our indoor air professionals at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc..